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Ford Windstar Problems - READ ONLY

2608 messages,  Last post on Oct 27, 2006 at 8:51 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Windstar, Van

Messages Page 219 of 262

#2172 of 2608 Re: 2003 Windstar Transmission not working [jeffyscott] by runninnowhere

Dec 01, 2005 (7:01 pm)

At about 10:30 last night I was looking at the butt end of a cigarette I was finishing ...wondering what the chances were in landing it in the neck of the fuel tank. I have mixed feelings about this van. Fear and hate.
 
I'll take the advice on the ETE and get a quote. Did they replace Aamco? Why would I like them better? I will call to see if there is an advantage because the Heiser dealership on silver spring is waiting me out before even giving me a diagnosis. One day so far.
 
Frankly I wonder if (although it is running well now) the engine will die of the mysterious head gasket issue at 100K like the Taurus. If the engine would live (we're running synthetic engine oil afterall) as long at the T&C Chrysler I have, 196K, I wouldn't mind putting in a good remanufactured transmission. I LOVE to believe this is an abberation. I hoped / trusted that Ford would have learned and adapted to make better and better products given experience. but I'm now 2 for 2.
 
I thought the concept of planned obsolesence died with the Ford Pinto in 1979.( and to be fair the Vega) Frankly it sickens me to think they (the manufacturer & factory) don't care.
 
I frankly don't mind replacing Batteries, starters, water or fuel pumps etc. That is all just friable material in my mind. A couple hundred here and there is expected in my mind. The core that has to keep functioning is the engine and drive train. 3000 dollar repairs drive people away forever or at least until the customer believes the manufacturer has changed.
 
The latest President of Ford seemed convincing on the TV. I guess he's just out of touch with what he makes. I'd like for him to experience the traitorous feeling that comes when the car just quits. In fact I'd like for him to drive his cars (unprepared for an executive) right off of a showroom floor. Then live with the defects for the first 4 months. I'd feel confident to buy his car again If I saw his dupa sitting shotgun in the tow truck that is hauling his car in for service. If he experienced the emotional letdown of a dead car...Nothing would stand in his way to not have it happen again.
 
I'm a necktie too, but his order of executive is too isolated to know and grow a company.
Dreams and wishes.

#2173 of 2608 Re: which oil to use? [nick2006matrix] by runninnowhere

Dec 01, 2005 (7:31 pm)

Replying to: nick2006matrix (Nov 28, 2005 8:31 pm)
Use the 5 20 Synthetic just like the manual says.
 
No matter what the mechanic thinks the viscosity is important in that it flows easier the lower the number. With these engines I'd stick to the thinner specified oil with the hope that everything stays lubricated internally.
 
Synthetic is great stuff. Yes it costs more but the beauty is in the winter the car starts like a dream at 25 below. It is a monomer or at least a controlled mixture of the permutations of the ways a complex carbon based molecule can form. A chemical composition that forms oil can have multiple molecules form out of the same mixture of elements.
 
Here is an example...(remember sys & trans & Ortho) it has been 25 years since organic chemistry for me but this is the gist of it... Things that do a job (say insulin for a diabetic's use) that are made of carbon based chemical compounds can form "handed" versions of the same formula (think right or left hand) The right hand version does the job well. The left hand version does 'kinda' the same but not as well. That is why we refrigerate insulin. so it doesn't break down into the "other version"
 
The example is pretty good but oil doesn't change handedness at room temperature like insulin does. We don't refrigerate oil. However at the really high temperatures and engine bearing sees it does degrade and breakdown. The synthetic oils break down better when they do. general oils don't break down as well.
 
Plus the real thing you want to do is find a new mechanic.
A.He probably doesn't have any 5 Weight oil in his combination garage and bait shop. Plus he should know the next item.
B.You always put in the recomended Oils in a manufacturers car. The brand doesn't matter however the specification on the page of your manual (and on the engine oil cap) will say API certified 5-20 synthetic. If you toast your engine using Jello whipped topping for oil there is no warranty from the manufacturer.
 
Now if you put Jello whipped topping in your windshield washer reservoir it may freeze or make your windows funny. However if the washer reservoir fails you still get no warranty but you are only out 150$ in repairs. The engine is a bigger repair problem.
 
Sorry to flame so much but your mechanic is a danger to you.

#2174 of 2608 Re: 2003 Windstar Transmission not working [runninnowhere] by jeffyscott

Dec 02, 2005 (6:39 am)

Replying to: runninnowhere (Dec 01, 2005 7:01 pm)
My previous post was deleted as it "appeared to be selling something". But it looks like you read it before it was gone. Just to be clear I have nothing to do with any company that sells anything.
 
I had suggested that maybe you want to look into reman transmission from a local company that actually does the remanfacturing and will install their remanfactured engine or transmission. A guy I work with had good luck going this route. But he did end up doing both the engine and the transmission...this was in a Buick.
 
I have the same thoughts as you though, when I consider installing a reman engine...what if the transmission goes next? On the other hand I think what if I spend $1600 on repairs and the leaks have damaged the engine and it dies in 6 months anyway? I am in a holding pattern because I can't decide what the better option is and this is an extra vehicle for now.
 
I may buy another Ford, but not with a V-6. Their 4 cyl zetec seems to have been a much better engine than their 6s.

#2175 of 2608 Re: 2003 Windstar Transmission not working [runninnowhere] by treywinds

Dec 02, 2005 (9:07 am)

Replying to: runninnowhere (Dec 01, 2005 8:26 am)
99 windstar 75k miles.Sudden, massive tranny fluid loss on highway(it would only happen on Thanksgiving holiday).
Transmission overhauled for $1500-new torque converter,
epc solenoid, tcc solenoid, etc.
 
- just prior to tranny failure,developed problem w/pwr steering(grinding/grunting noise,shudder).I was told to check for a pressure relief valve.
 
-also,my ticking, mini-baseball card sound was solved when i removed the center cap/lug nut cover from my rims.I have the 15 in. rims with the slanted "starburst" cover.There are aftermarket covers available on ebay, way cheaper than the dealer.

#2176 of 2608 Re: Bad Paint [smann] by treywinds

Dec 02, 2005 (9:26 am)

Replying to: smann (Nov 10, 2005 8:20 pm)
We own a 99 Windstar, and the paint is peeling from the roof as well.It gets worse each time we wash it.The color
of the van is Arctic White. Our dealer told us that this is not covered.

#2177 of 2608 Power Steering Noise by chance4

Dec 02, 2005 (9:56 am)

I have a '99 Windstar and whenever I turn the steering to the right, there is a loud noise as if there is no fluid in the reservoir or loose belt. Turning to the left is OK
Any idea?
My engine light came on today. Auto Zone check it and get a reading P0171, told me it is the oxygen sensor but could not point me in the direction it is
 
chance4

#2178 of 2608 Poor heat by jallenjr

Dec 02, 2005 (12:38 pm)

My 1995 Ford Windstar has quite suddenly, gone from a normal temperature gauge reading, to no reading whatsoever. Once the vehicle warms up, the needle just barely rises off the bottom, and thats where it stays. Also, it seems like now, I'm not getting very good heat from the vehicles heater. Could it simply be the thermostat or temp sending unit or is the problem more serious than that?

#2179 of 2608 Re: Poor heat [jallenjr] by jeffyscott

Dec 02, 2005 (1:18 pm)

Replying to: jallenjr (Dec 02, 2005 12:38 pm)
If you are not getting normal heat, then it is not the sending unit as that would just affect the gauge not the the actual temperature. Seems like the thermostat could be a possibility, if it is stuck open it makes sense that the heat would be weak in the cold weather.

#2180 of 2608 99 Windstar - steering noise by dbalman

Dec 02, 2005 (1:42 pm)

My Windstar has 92000 mi and has just started making a whining type noise when I turn left. It doesn't do it all of the time and only when I turn left. Not sure where to begin, but I would like some suggestions before I just take it to Ford. Our experience in the past, they ALWAYS find something whether it is really necesary or not.

#2181 of 2608 Re: Power Steering Noise [chance4] by alcan

Dec 02, 2005 (5:07 pm)

Replying to: chance4 (Dec 02, 2005 9:56 am)
"My engine light came on today. Auto Zone check it and get a reading P0171, told me it is the oxygen sensor but could not point me in the direction it is"
 
The diagnostic tool has not been invented yet that will say "this part is defective, replace it". AutoZone sells a lot of oxygen sensors. They'll retrieve trouble codes no charge because they're hoping to sell you parts. After all, that's what they're in business for.
 
PO171 = Fuel Trim System Lean (Bank 1). Read the post in the link below, and start by looking for a deteriorated PCV valve grommet or hose.
 
alcan, "Got a Quick, Technical Question?" #2217, 2 Dec 2005 6:54 pm

Messages Page 219 of 262

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